Boundaries

Author: Jacob Tynes
Editor: Danielle Milliken
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7
Song: In Over My Head

This week is the last week I can say that I am 30 years old. Next Wednesday, I will be 31. Wow, that's weird to say. Last night I took time to look at all the pictures and videos that I have gathered over this past year. I believe we all have moments where we wish we could freeze time or that we could stop aging. Even college doesn't seem so long ago, yet, it is.

After getting through my aging crisis, I began to celebrate all that God has done and the accomplishments I have seen over this past year. One of those is losing 85 lbs. as of today. That was evident as I scrolled through all my pictures.

Although that is a huge milestone, my greatest accomplishment would be the change within. I  began to love myself enough to have God-honoring boundaries in my life. What does that mean, you ask? It means that I have proactively put boundaries in place that are for me, not a reaction to someone else. How many times have we created boundaries from a reactive posture rather than a place where we are pursuing growth for ourselves? Boundaries, at their purest form, are preventive, not reactive.

A new boundary I have implemented is before I open my mouth, I do these three things: 
Think about it. Pray about it. Then talk about it.

Every time I have followed this framework and respected this preventive boundary, it keeps me consistent, balanced, and God-honoring towards myself and others. It helps me not say those words that you try to catch in the air once they leave your mouth. This not only prevents me from hurting others, it prevents bitterness and resentment from growing in my heart and mind. It reminds me to give my worries and cares to the Lord. Boundaries do not limit intimacy, they cultivate healthy relationships.

Do you regularly give your worries to God? Scripture says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for us” (1 Peter 5:7). Do you have intentional and preventive boundaries? Or, do you live life from a reactive stance?  

I would encourage you this week to ask yourself, what boundaries do I lack and what boundaries do I need to implement in my life?
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